The 23 year-old forward is currently preparing for this summer’s World Cup with Serbia and Slavisa Jokanovic, who proved pivotal in bringing him to Craven Cottage in January, is known to be keen to want to sign his compatriot on a permanent basis. With Mitrovic appearing to have been frozen out by Magpies manager Rafa Benitez, the only potential stumbling blocks to a deal would be Newcastle’s valuation of the player and whether Mitrovic’s fine form attracts other suitors.

Mitrovic, who scored 12 goals in 17 league appearances as Fulham won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, has made it abundantly clear that he would be open to remaining in London. He told Serbian website RTS:

Here? Yeah, if they made an offer, I would definitely join.

Newcastle are unlikely to want to sell Mitrovic during the World Cup – frustrating Fulham’s desire to wrap up a quick deal. The Magpies are eager to realise as big a transfer fee for the feisty forward as possible – and English press reports have suggested that Crystal Palace, managed by former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, may well be a potential rival for Mitrovic’s services.